QuickStart Guide - Standalone Version

This topic only applies to the Standalone version of the software. If you're using the Dreamweaver Extension version, see this topic.

This topic provides a quick overview of how to get started creating slideshows. Please note: All of the topics mentioned in this quickstart are covered in much more detail in the rest of the manual. If you run into trouble or have more questions, view the main manual topics.

Installation - Install Adobe AIR

Unable to detect runtime installation. Please proceed with the AIR installation instructions below.

First, you must download and install the Adobe AIR runtime. Adobe AIR is a free application runtime which allows for the slideshow wizard to run on your system. (To learn more, visit the AIR product page. If you are using Dreamweaver CS4 or higher, AIR will already be installed on your system.) You can download the installer directly by clicking the appropriate link below:

If you have any problems with the direct download, you can download and install from Adobe's site:

Installation - Install the External Wizard

In the XFS_v4.zip file you downloaded and uncompressed, double-click the SSv4_Standalone.air file to launch the Adobe AIR Application Installer and install the XFS v4 Standalone Slideshow Creator application (also referred to as the "external wizard"). Install it to the default location.

For more information about installing the external wizard, see this topic.

Inserting a New Slideshow

To access the slideshow creator, launch the XFS v4 Standalone Slideshow Creator application. There should be a shortcut on your desktop, or you can access it via the Programs / Applications menu.

You'll need to specify the HTML page you want to add a slideshow to, as well as the root folder of the site associated with the page. This folder is the the one that holds all of your sites files, including web pages, images, audio, video and any other assets. For more information about these options and the necessary site configuration to insert a slideshow, see the Getting Started topic.

For more information about accessing the application, see this topic. For more information about using the external wizard to create slideshows, see this section.

Basic Usage of the Standalone Slideshow Creator Wizard

When the wizard first launches, you'll be prompted to either create a blank slideshow or start with a starter template. You will then enter the main wizard interface. All of the main wizard sections are accessed via the tabs at the top of the window:

The tabs control the following:

Tab Name

Description

Images / Galleries

This is where you'll add all images to the slideshow, organizing them into one or more galleries.

External Image Data

This is where you can optionally specify external data sources such as Flickr feeds, etc.

Appearance Settings

This is where you can control general appearance settings, such as the background color, background image, and preloader appearance.

Slide Appearance

This is where you can control the appearance of each of the slides. Options include image scaling settings as well as image matte, border, drop shadow and reflection effects.

Layout / Presentation

This is where you can optionally adjust your slideshow's layout or build a new one from scratch. You can also customize the appearance of all elements included in the user interface.

Global Configuration and Playback Settings

This is where you can specify general slideshow options and playback settings. Options include the image loading mode, automatic playback and the corresponding playback speed, and the image transition configuration.

Touchscreen Content

Currently available in beta update. This is where you can configure the alternate touch-optimized presentation to display for touchscreen devices like the iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones and tablets.

You can save and exit, cancel and exit, or launch the preview window using the buttons at the bottom of the window:

For more information about using the external wizard to create slideshows, see this section.

Editing a Slideshow After Inserting It

To make changes to a slideshow you've already inserted, re-launch the XFS v4 Standalone Slideshow Creator application (just like when you initially created the slideshow). When asked for the HTML page and associated site root, enter the same values as those you used when initially creating the slideshow.

For more information about accessing the extension to edit a slideshow, see this topic.

Migrating v3 Slideshows to v4

First, its important to note that v3 and v4 operate fully independently -- you can continue to use v3 after installing v4. For information about moving existing v3 slideshows up to v4, see the Migration topic.